Dr. Jackson is an animal health educator with the Cook County Extension STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) team. She will teach a variety of topics including animal science, husbandry and biology to community members, students and teachers.

Dr. Jackson graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Animal Science and earned her doctorate of veterinary medicine from Tuskegee University. After obtaining her DVM, she completed a residency in biomedical research with The Massachusetts Institute of Technology where she was able to contribute to, co-author and independently complete many publications. Dr. Jackson was the first African-American woman to matriculate through the program.

Prior to joining Extension, Dr. Jackson gained extensive clinical and surgical experience as an associate veterinarian and pursued advanced training in animal welfare. Dr. Jackson also worked as an after school educator with the Chicago Public Schools and is a member of the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association).

Program Offerings

Engaging in Ecosystems (8 weeks) *-Most suitable for grades: 5-7-Workshop length: 1-1.5 hours -Students build their own habitats while learning about the animals that live in the various areas

Body Organ Systems (4 weeks)*-Most suitable for grades: 8-10 or those currently studying anatomy-Workshop length: 1-1.5 hours-Students learn about and dissect one organ per workshop for a total of four

Short sessions

Blood basics-Most suitable for grades: 4-6-Workshop length: 1 hour-Students learn about blood types and make blood out of candy, best of all they get to eat the candy when complete!

Bug Zoo-Most suitable for grades: 6-8-Workshop length: 1 hour-Students learn about various insects while getting to touch and handle them

You be the Vet!-Most suitable for grades: 2-4-Workshop length: 45min-1 hour-A day in the life of a vet is described while students learn the basics of a general physical examination

Teacher Professional Development

Bringing Life into the Classroom: This hands-on workshop will demonstrate beneficial, safe and engaging activities that can be done in the classroom with insects and animals while incorporating the scientific method.

Under the Sea: This extension workshop will focus on life under the sea and ocean! It includes animal friendly scientific experiments as well as discussion about animal care and extinction. There will be hands-on activities, including dissection, which you can easily transfer into the classroom.